STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (1979) ** I always thought that the tv show was pretty good; not worth planning around, but interesting on those occasions that I just felt like watching something . So while I was mainly ignoring it, the Star Trek franchise was undergoing an identity crisis that led to this: not as action-paced as Star Wars, or as philosophical as 2001 (or even Close Encounters ), there's no small amount of on-screen flailing around in search of purpose. Maybe part of what I liked about the tv version was the brevity of the episodes, but also that the better installments managed to produce a philosophical contemplation that could be readily capsulized in an aphorism. I also liked the cheesy sets, especially the aerial view of the space ship flitting about amongst the galaxies, and the Starship Enterprise being battered around (as they juggle the camera). Unfortunately none of what I liked about the tv show is apparent in the film. The special effects are pretty good, which is bad. There are hardly any attacks at all, and despite repeated and heartfelt efforts there is nothing about the plot worthy in any way of contemplation. On the other hand, it's reasonably entertaining, at least for awhile, to see the original characters on the big screen. On whatever hand is left (a third, mutated space hand), they've added additional characters who add absolutely nothing interesting to the mix. Their achievement is simultaneously achieving bland and irritating. Oh yeah, and William Shatner has a dumb new suit.
back to Brilliant Observations on 1776 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your novel!